Drowsy Driving: The Deadly Risks and How to Avoid Them

Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***.

Have you ever been driving down the street or highway and felt like you were going to fall asleep?

There’s a good chance you have, and there’s an even better chance you told yourself you could handle it. Sadly, falling asleep at the wheel, otherwise known as drowsy driving or driver fatigue, is extremely common, and it’s extremely dangerous.

Drowsy Driving Is Rampant in America

The National Sleep Foundation reports that 60% of Americans say they’ve driven while feeling sleepy, while 37% actually admit to falling asleep at the wheel in the past year. Let me repeat that … 37% have admitted to falling asleep while driving!

Car accidents are responsible for nearly 34,000 deaths every year, and a fair chunk of those are from drowsy driving. Fatigue while driving can impair your judgment and reaction abilities as much as alcohol can.

You might not even be aware that you’re driving tired or of the risks involved. Drowsy driving typically comes with one or more of these symptoms:

Difficulty focusing

Frequent blinking

Heavy eyelids

Daydreaming; mind wandering/disconnected thoughts

Trouble remembering the last few miles you drove

Repeatedly rubbing your eyes or yawning

Trouble keeping your head up

Drifting from your lane

Tailgating

Hitting the shoulder/rumble strip

Restlessness/irritability

Ways to Avoid Falling Asleep while Driving

When you’re driving drowsy, you’re putting yourself and others at risk. Zoning out on the roads is common and dangerous; you want to make sure you stay alert and avoid auto pilot at all costs. A deadly accident can occur in less time than it takes to blink. To avoid falling asleep while driving, here are some things you can do:

Sit Up Straight

Make sure your seat is adjusted so you’re sitting straight up. This signals to your body that you’re active and engaged. If you’re leaning back or slouched over, the signals are passive and you’re more likely to get drowsy or nod off.

Turn the Music Up

Turn on some music you like that will get you active and engaged. Sing along and even dance if you have to; just make sure you keep your focus on the road!

Take a Break

There’s nothing wrong with pulling over to take a break if you need it. Getting out and walking around for a few minutes, getting a breath a fresh air, or even taking a little nap can all help ward off the effects of fatigue.

Play a Game

DON’T play a game on your phone because distracted driving is dangerous; instead, use your surroundings to come up with a way to keep your mind active. Keep track of things you’re seeing and find a way to categorize them to stay engaged.

I can’t put enough emphasis on this: drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving, so make sure you know how to handle fatigue behind the wheel. Do your best to stay awake and engaged and avoid autopilot.

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Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for information purposes only and is not to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventive, or cure for any disease, disorder, or abnormal physical state, nor should it be considered a substitute for medical care from your doctor. On any matter relating to your health or well-being—and prior to undertaking any health-related activity—consult an appropriate health professional. The opinions herein are exactly that, they are the opinions of the author. Doctors Health Press and its employees are not responsible for medically unsupervised activities that could be harmful to your health. Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***. All of the Doctors Health Press publications come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with your newsletter, you can simply cancel your subscription and receive a pro-rated refund on all undelivered issues. For our books and special reports, we will give you a full refund of your purchase price within 30 days of your order. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for information purposes only and is not to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventive, or cure for any disease, disorder, or abnormal physical state, nor should it be considered a substitute for medical care from your doctor. On any matter relating to your health or well-being—and prior to undertaking any health-related activity—consult an appropriate health professional. The opinions herein are exactly that, they are the opinions of the author. Doctors Health Press and its employees are not responsible for medically unsupervised activities that could be harmful to your health. Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***. All of the Doctors Health Press publications come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with your newsletter, you can simply cancel your subscription and receive a pro-rated refund on all undelivered issues. For our books and special reports, we will give you a full refund of your purchase price within 30 days of your order. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service.